CN101944172B - Monitor the system and method for individual protectiveness equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring personal protective equipment. A multi-level equipment configuration monitoring system can include multiple RFID tags associated with various user protective elements such as respirators, eye protection, gloves boots, helmets and hearing protectors. The user communication unit is able to activate the tag and determine which elements are present. The determined elements can be compared to a pre-stored list of approved elements to determine the status of the user's protective equipment fleet. Lost devices are instantly identified and brought to the user's attention. Information about the duration of use of components and the duration of exposure of those components to one or more predetermined hazardous conditions can be collected to schedule maintenance and replacement.

Description

Systems and methods for monitoring personal protective equipment

technical field

The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring and keeping track of personal protective equipment of first responders. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods that use various wireless technologies to initially monitor that first responders are equipped with predetermined personal protective equipment and then to check the status of that equipment.

Background technique

First responders, such as firefighters or hazardous materials handlers typically wear or carry a predetermined set of personal protective equipment, which can include, but is not limited to, gloves, eye and/or hearing protection, helmets, respirators, boots, etc. . Not only must the set of equipment be complete in order to guarantee maximum protection, but sometimes the equipment has a predetermined lifespan which must be considered for the safety of the individual.

In addition to the above, it is desirable to be able to monitor and record the environmental conditions experienced by individuals to facilitate maintenance and timely replacement of such equipment.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Although embodiments of the invention may be in many different forms, specific examples of which are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, it should be understood that the disclosure is considered illustrative of the principles of the invention and the best mode for practicing the principles of the invention. mode, and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments shown.

In one aspect of the invention, monitoring can be implemented to ensure that persons required to wear a defined set of personal protective equipment (PPE) can determine that they are actually wearing or carrying that set. In another aspect of the invention, the age of a particular element, or PPE component, can be measured and tracked, and maintenance or replacement planned accordingly. In another aspect of the invention, the environmental conditions to which the PPE is exposed can be recorded and tracked to assist in planning maintenance and/or replacement.

In a system embodying the invention, radio frequency identification (RFID) will be incorporated into all PPE components. These RFID tags will uniquely identify the part number and serial number of each piece of personal protective equipment. In another embodiment of the invention, a PPE user communication unit may be carried by each user. For example, the unit may be wrist-worn.

In one form, the unit may include an RFID reader and an RF link to enable it to communicate with the displaced PPE control device. For example, the device may collect PPE configuration and usage data from each PPE user communication unit. If so equipped, it may also collect environmental data to correlate with the time of usage data for each PPE component. All such information may be stored in a computer readable memory, such as a semiconductor memory unit or a magnetic or optical mass storage unit such as a disk drive.

The system may be provided with a defined set of client applications to be run on the PPE control device; examples may include the ability to list each PPE component, time used, time exposed to certain environmental conditions. User violations, such as removing devices that should not be removed, can be logged and subsequently listed or printed. Automatic indication of the need to require maintenance/replacement of PPE components can be provided based on exceeding predefined limits for environmental exposure or use. Such applications may be provided in the context of a monthly service.

In another embodiment, a communication radio or cellular type device may be integrated with a user communication unit or device. Global positioning circuitry may be included to enable tracking of user location.

Figure 1 shows a system 10 embodying the present invention. System 10 includes at least one user communication unit 12, which may be worn or carried by various users, such as firefighters or hazardous substances control personnel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that system 10 typically includes a plurality 12-1 of such units, one of which will be associated with each such individual. The members of the plurality of units 12-1 are substantially the same, thus the discussion of unit 12 also applies to other members of the plurality of units.

Unit 12 can be implemented with control circuitry, which may include one or more programmable processors, such as 12a and associated control software 12b. The software 12b can be stored on a local computer readable storage medium such as a semiconductor memory device or a magnetic or optical mass storage unit such as a disk drive for access and execution by the processor 12a.

Unit 12 can also include a display device and associated display software (generally indicated at 12c). A display device can be carried by the unit 12 or on a separate unit, such as a first responder's visor as a heads up display. Unit 12 may be carried or worn, for example on the wrist of an associated user or first responder.

Unit 12 can also carry one or more receivers or transceivers, generally indicated at 12d, such as one or more RFID signal receivers, RF transceivers of various types which may include, but are not limited to, a cellular type interface. The RFID signal receiver is capable of receiving information from RFID sensors or tags associated with various elements 20 of the type of protective gear that can be used or worn by the individual carrying the unit 12 . These may include, but are not limited to, respirator 20a, eye protection 20b, gloves 20c, boots 20d, helmet 20e, and hearing protection 20f. Those skilled in the art should understand that the enumeration of multiple members of 20 is only exemplary, rather than limiting the present invention. Other elements may be added to number 20 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

A plurality of environmental sensors 24 can also include RFID type tags and communicate with unit 12 . Such sensors may include but are not limited to smoke, flame or gas sensors. Such sensors may be of the type wearable or carried by the individual associated with unit 12 .

Configuration checkpoint 28 can include an RFID tag that can be used with unit 12 to initiate an automatic configuration check of the user's PPE configuration. Unit 12, upon sensing an RFID tag in configuration checkpoint 28, may initiate a check of the user's PPE in the same manner as described in paragraph 0022 that follows without requiring the user to manually press a "check" button. Deployment checkpoints may be located where users are expected to have all required PPE on them, for example at changing room exits.

System 10 can also include one or more PPE control devices, generally indicated at 30-1. Device 30 represents a member of plurality 30-1, and thus discussion of device 30 will apply to other members of plurality 30-1.

Device 30 can include at least one programmable processor 30a and associated executable control software 30b. All such software may be stored without limitation on semiconductor, magnetic or optical computer readable storage devices. Unit 30 may also include a computer-readable storage unit 34 providing access to an approved device list, previously detected violations of the approved device list, one or more databases, such as a time-of-use database for members of the plurality 20, and information about multiple A 20-member database of exposure times to extreme environments or hazardous conditions stored on semiconductor, optical or magnetic storage devices.

The device 30 can also include a display device and graphical user interface software, generally indicated at 30c, to present situational information visually and graphically. One or more RF transceivers 30d (some of which may be cellular type interfaces) can also be carried by the device 30 to provide communication with members of the plurality 12-1 and 30-1 and communication with members of the plurality 12-1 and 30-1 Communication among members.

Devices such as device 30 may also be on-board, or positioned at a command post to provide situation commanders with current information on the status of devices carried or worn by individual first responders to address current problems or conditions. In addition to being able to communicate with the local database 34, the device 30 is also capable of communicating directly with other members of the plurality 30-1 as well as members of the plurality 12-1.

In use of embodiments of the invention, the PPE UC 12 may perform a PPE configuration check once an individual has finished donning all PPE equipment, such as all PPE equipment from the plurality 12. The configuration check will compare the equipment on the individual to a pre-stored list of authorized PPE. This check can be initiated manually or automatically.

Once the individual believes they have the correct set of PPE and they move a few feet away from other individuals, at which time they can press the "check" button on the user communicator 12, a manual check of the PPE configuration can be performed. At this point, the PPE UC, unit 12 will interrogate the device and perform a configuration check.

User equipment configurations may be checked automatically either: after an individual has passed a defined physical checkpoint with an RFID tag, e.g., a locker room exit; or within a specified period of time after an "out of config" notification— - The time period can be defined in the list of authorized personal protective equipment.

If user communicator 12 detects unauthorized PPE configuration on an individual, it may notify the individual through an audible alert and/or display by device 12 . The authorized PPE list may also contain conditions for sending messages "in config" or "out of config" to the PPE controlling device. Warnings/alerts will change based on the severity of the unauthorized configuration.

Unit 12 may include a timer to record how long each element of the personal protective equipment has been used. This time of use may be sent to a PPE control device, such as device 30, for data logging at the end of use.

The control device 30 may enable a device user (eg, a situation commander) to view the configuration status of selected individuals through a particular device from the plurality 12-1. In another aspect of the invention, the control device 30 may enable a device user to run a report to access how much "use time" each particular protective element (eg 20a) has incurred.

In other embodiments, the PPE control device 30 may be preprogrammed to generate a maintenance alert if the "time of use" exceeds a predetermined value. It may also enable equipment users to run reports to examine equipment usage history (by PPE type and specific PPE units), examine PPE usage by specific individuals or groups, and maintain a history of "out-of-configuration" warnings.

Environmental sensors (eg, temperature, altitude), such as sensor 24, can be included with the RFID interface to enable the collection and transmission of environmental data. Such data may be useful in determining the time interval(s) over which a particular protective element from plurality 20 was exposed to a particular environmental condition.

Environmental data may be sent from members of the plurality 12-1 to the control device(s) 330-1 for data logging. Maintenance warnings can be generated in a similar manner to the "time in use" alerts described above. These maintenance warnings will indicate that a specific protective element has only a defined amount of usable life remaining, or has exceeded its usable life.

In addition, the authorized PPE list may also require the sensing of multiple individuals to complete the authorized configuration; for example, when two or more workers are required to be in a confined space for safety reasons. This can be accomplished by including RFID tags in each member of the plurality 12-1. In this embodiment, the authorized PPE list would then consist of the individual's own PPE and the RFID of the collaborator(s).

In another aspect of the invention, the user communicator(s) 12-1 may include a capability, such as a button, to indicate to the individual that he/she will be "out of configuration"; such as removing the device during a break during work . The moment and duration of the "out-of-configuration" condition may be recorded by individual units from the plurality 12-1 and communicated to one or more control devices from the plurality 30-1 for data recording.

In another aspect, configuration checkpoints may include user communicators fixed in place. This can be used as a lower cost alternative to carrying a user communicator with each user.

According to the above embodiments, if at a defined location a group of first responders routinely dons or doffs PPE, the communicator may be installed at a configuration checkpoint, ie the entry/exit of that location. Each individual can perform configuration checks when leaving the area. Out-of-configuration warnings will still be generated by the stationary communicator, and PPE usage time can be measured by configuring checkpoint communicator sensing when the user returns and measuring the elapsed time since they left the area. The communicator may still function as described above, including a choice of manual operation (the user presses a button) and automatic operation (the fixed communicator senses passing equipment). The communicator can still communicate with the control unit as described above.

Advantageously, the above-described embodiments do not limit users to a single locker room. Users can put it on in one area and take it off in another area, such as the wash area after using PPE. In this embodiment, all that is required is a communicator at the entry/exit of each zone.

From the foregoing it can be observed that many changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that no limitation to the particular devices shown here is intended or inferred. It is, of course, intended by the appended claims to cover all modifications which fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims (14)

1. the system monitoring individual protective element comprises:

Multiple individual protective element, each member of wherein said multiple individual protective element carries radio frequency identifiers type label;

Subscriber communication units, with the member wireless communication of described multiple individual protective element, wherein subscriber communication units comprises at least one computer-readable storage unit of the multiple marks for storing the expection member indicating described multiple individual protective element wherein, wherein once individuality has completed put on institute a guy protective element, and if subscriber communication units just performs configuration inspection and detects that the unauthorized on individuality configures so that the individual protective element on this individuality is compared subscriber communication units with the grant column list prestored, then it notifies individuality by the aural alert of equipment and/or display.

2. system as claimed in claim 1; wherein subscriber communication units comprise for by described multiple individual protective element sense member and described multiple mark store the circuit that member compares, and send listening or the circuit of at least one in visable indicia of the difference of instruction between them in response to this.

3. system as claimed in claim 1, wherein subscriber communication units is one of wearable or portable subscriber communication units of user of user.

4. system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said element is selected from the group at least comprising following elements: breathing apparatus, eye-protective device, gloves, boots, the helmet, hearing protectors and fire-protection suit.

5. system as claimed in claim 1, comprise the configuration inspection point with at least one RFID label tag, described RFID label tag identifies configuration inspection point uniquely.

6. system as claimed in claim 5, wherein makes subscriber communication units automatically initiate configuration inspection by the RFID label tag at subscriber communication units reading configuration inspection point place.

7. system as claimed in claim 6; wherein subscriber communication units comprise for by by described multiple individual protective element sense member and described multiple mark store member and compare the circuit performing configuration inspection, and send listening or the circuit of at least one in visable indicia of the difference of instruction between them in response to this.

8. system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said subscriber communication units comprises display device and thinks that user provides configuration information.

9. system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said subscriber communication units comprises the time interval of the use for recording element, or the circuit of at least one in the duration of selected unsafe conditions of component exposure.

10. a watch-dog comprises:

At least one management and monitoring equipment, comprise programmable processor and at least one computer-readable storage unit, described computer-readable storage unit comprise the control software design that can be executed by processor and the combination of individual protectiveness equipment that is selected, that prestore, each member of multiple individual protectiveness equipment use duration and be exposed to specific environment duration at least one;

The wireless transceiver be coupled with watch-dog; With

Multidimensional display device and the graphical user's software be associated, described graphical user's software is performed by processor at least in part, and its median surface presents the visual information of the protectiveness Equipments Setting about selected individuality;

Wherein watch-dog is by the member communication of transceiver and multiple subscriber communication units, and each subscriber communication units is associated from different users;

Wherein once individual consumer has completed put on institute a guy protective element; and if the subscriber communication units of associated just performs configuration inspection detect that the unauthorized on individual consumer configure so that the individual protective element on this individual consumer is compared subscriber communication units with the grant column list prestored, then it is by the aural alert of equipment and/or show and notify individual consumer.

11. as the equipment of claim 10, wherein watch-dog provides at least one approved subscriber equipment combination at least some member of described multiple subscriber communication units, at least one approved subscriber equipment combination is combined with the subscriber equipment sensed and is compared by least one subscriber communication units, and sends in response to this and can listen or one of visible feedback indicator.

12. as the equipment of claim 10, and it comprises the multiple subscriber communication units with watch-dog radio communication.

13. as the equipment of claim 12, and wherein subscriber communication units receives at least one approved protectiveness list of devices from each watch-dog, and wherein subscriber communication units comprises the circuit for determining the Equipments Setting be associated with each user.

14. as the equipment of claim 13; wherein subscriber communication units comprises for the Equipments Setting be associated with each user and the approved protectiveness list of devices that receives being compared, and sends it in response to this to user and can listen or the circuit of visual detector.